The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the identification, evaluation, designation, and protection of designated historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of Cowlitz County and preserve and rehabilitate eligible historic properties within Cowlitz County for future generations through special valuation, a property tax incentive, as provided in Chapter 84.26 RCW in order to:

A. Safeguard the heritage of Cowlitz County as represented by those buildings, objects, sites and structures which reflect significant elements of Cowlitz County history;

B. Foster civic and neighborhood pride in the beauty and accomplishments of the past, and a sense of identity based on Cowlitz County history;

C. Stabilize or improve the aesthetic and economic vitality and values of such sites, improvements and objects;

D. Assist, encourage and provide incentives to private owners for preservation, restoration, redevelopment and use of outstanding historic buildings, objects, sites and structures;

E. Promote and facilitate the early identification and resolution of conflicts between preservation of historic resources and alternative land uses; and

F. Conserve valuable material and energy resources by ongoing use and maintenance of the existing built environment. [Ord. 16-089 § 2, 8-16-16.]

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall mean as follows, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

“Actual cost of rehabilitation” means costs incurred within 24 months prior to the date of application and directly resulting from one or more of the following: (1) improvements to an existing building located on or within the perimeters of the original structure; or (2) improvements outside of but directly attached to the original structure which are necessary to make the building fully usable but shall not include rentable/habitable floor-space attributable to new construction; or (3) architectural and engineering services attributable to the design of the improvements; or (4) all costs defined as “qualified rehabilitation expenditures” for purposes of the federal historic preservation investment tax credit.

A “building” is a structure constructed by human beings. This includes both residential and nonresidential buildings, main and accessory buildings.

“Certificate of appropriateness” means the document indicating that the Commission has reviewed the proposed changes to a local register property and certified the changes as not adversely affecting the historic characteristics of the property which contribute to its designation.

“Certified local government” or “CLG” means the designation reflecting that the local government has been jointly certified by the State Historic Preservation Officer and the National Park Service as having established its own historic preservation commission and a program meeting federal and state standards.

“Class of properties eligible to apply for special valuation in Cowlitz County” means all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period which meets the requirements set forth in Chapter 84.26 RCW, until Cowlitz County becomes a certified local government (CLG). Once a CLG, the class of properties eligible to apply for special valuation in Cowlitz County means all properties listed on the local or National Register of Historic Places or properties certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period which meets the requirements set forth in Chapter 84.26 RCW.

“Cost” means the actual cost of rehabilitation, which cost shall be at least 25 percent of the assessed valuation of the historic property, exclusive of the assessed value attributable to the land, prior to rehabilitation.

“Cowlitz County Historic Inventory” or “inventory” means the comprehensive inventory of historic and prehistoric resources within the boundaries of Cowlitz County, including buildings, objects, sites, structures and districts of historical and/or cultural significance.

“Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission” or “Commission” means the Commission created by CCC 18.80.040.

“Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places,” “local register,” or “register” means the listing of locally designated properties provided for in CCC 18.80.050. Upon adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter, at minimum, the register includes all publicly owned properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places, State Register of Historic Places and Heritage Barn Register.

A “district” is a geographically definable area – urban or rural, small or large – possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, and/or objects united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical development. Districts are included in the inventory, but shall not be included on the register.

“Emergency repair” means work necessary to prevent destruction or dilapidation to real property or structural appurtenances thereto immediately threatened or damaged by fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster.

“Heritage Barn Register” means the state listing of agricultural properties in accordance with the Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative.

“Historic property” means real property together with improvements thereon, except property listed in a register primarily for objects buried below ground, which is listed in a local register of a certified local government or the National Register of Historic Places.

“Incentives” are such rights or privileges or combination thereof which the Board of County Commissioners, or other local, state, or federal public body or agency, by virtue of applicable present or future legislation, may be authorized to grant or obtain for the owner(s) of register properties. Examples of economic incentives include but are not limited to tax relief, conditional use permits, rezoning, street vacation, planned unit development, transfer of development rights, facade easements, gifts, preferential leasing policies, beneficial placement of public improvements or amenities, or the like.

“Local Review Board” or “Board” used in Chapter 84.26 RCW and Chapters 458-15 and 254-20 WAC for the special valuation of historic properties means the Commission created in CCC 18.80.040.

“National Register of Historic Places” means the national listing of properties significant to our cultural history because of their documented importance to our history, architectural history, engineering, or cultural heritage.

An “object” is a thing of functional, aesthetic, cultural, historical, or scientific value that may be, by nature or design, movable yet related to a specific setting or environment.

“Ordinary repair and maintenance” means work for which a permit issued by the Cowlitz County is not required by law, and where the purpose and effect of such work is to correct any deterioration or decay of or damage to the real property or structure appurtenance therein and to restore the same, as nearly as may be practicable, to the condition prior to the occurrence of such deterioration, decay, or damage.

“Owner” of property is the fee simple owner of record as exists on the Cowlitz County Assessor’s records.

“Significance” or “significant” used in the context of historic significance means the following: A property with local, state, or national significance is one which helps in the understanding of the history or prehistory of the local area, state, or nation (whichever is applicable) by illuminating the local, statewide, or nationwide impact of the events or persons associated with the property or its architectural type or style in information potential. The local area can include Cowlitz County or southwest Washington, or a modest geographic or cultural area, such as a neighborhood. Local significance may apply to a property that illustrates a theme that is important to one or more localities; state significance to a theme important to the history of the state; and national significance to property of exceptional value in representing or illustrating an important theme in the history of the nation.

A “site” is a place where a significant event or pattern of events occurred. It may be the location of prehistoric or historic occupation or activities that may be marked by physical remains; or it may be the symbolic focus of a significant event or pattern of events that may not have been actively occupied. A site may be the location of a ruined or now nonextant building or structure or the location itself possesses historic cultural or archaeological significance.

“Special valuation for historic properties” or “special valuation” means the local option program which when implemented makes available to property owners a special tax valuation for rehabilitation of historic properties under which the assessed value of an eligible historic property is determined at a rate that excludes, for up to 10 years, the actual cost of the rehabilitation (Chapter 84.26 RCW).

“State Register of Historic Places” means the state listing of properties significant to the community, state, or nation but which may or may not meet the criteria of the National Register.

A “structure” is a work made up of interdependent and interrelated parts in a definite pattern of organization. Generally constructed by man, it is often an engineering project.

“Universal Transverse Mercator” or “UTM” means the grid zone in metric measurement providing for an exact point of numerical reference.

“Waiver of a certificate of appropriateness” or “waiver” means the document indicating that the Commission has reviewed the proposed whole or partial demolition of a local register property and failing to find alternatives to demolition has issued a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness which allows the building or zoning official to issue a permit for demolition.

“Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties” or “State Advisory Council’s Standards” means the rehabilitation and maintenance standards used by the Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission as minimum requirements for determining whether or not an historic property is eligible for special valuation and whether or not the property continues to be eligible for special valuation once it has been so classified. [Ord. 16-089 § 3, 8-16-16.]

A. Creation and Size. There is hereby established a Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission, consisting of six members, as provided in subsection B of this section. Members of the Cowlitz County Historic Preservation Commission shall be appointed and approved by the Board of County Commissioners and shall be residents of Cowlitz County, except as provided in subsection (B)(2) of this section.

B. Composition of the Commission.

1. All members of the Commission must have a demonstrated interest and competence in historic preservation and possess qualities of impartiality and broad judgment.

2. The Commission shall always include at least two professionals who have experience in identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources and are selected from among the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, planning, prehistoric and historic archaeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, and landscape architecture, or related disciplines. The Commission action that would otherwise be valid shall not be rendered invalid by the temporary vacancy of one or all of the professional positions, unless the Commission action is related to meeting certified local government (CLG) responsibilities cited in the certification agreement between the Board of County Commissioners and the State Historic Preservation Officer on behalf of the state. Furthermore, exception to the residency requirement of Commission members may be granted by the Board of County Commissioners in order to obtain representatives from these disciplines.

3. The Commission shall always include at least one member from each Cowlitz County Board of County Commissioners district.

4. The Commission shall include as a nonvoting ex officio member the Director of the Cowlitz County Historical Museum or his or her designee.

5. In making appointments, the Board of County Commissioners may consider names submitted from any source, but the Board of County Commissioners shall notify local history and development related organizations of vacancies so that names of interested and qualified individuals may be submitted by such organizations for consideration along with names from any other source.

C. Terms. The original appointment of members to the Commission shall be as follows: two for one year, and three for two years. Thereafter, appointments shall be made for a three-year term. Vacancies shall be filled by the Board of County Commissioners for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

D. Powers and Duties. The major responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission is to identify and actively encourage the conservation of the Cowlitz County historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to register properties; to raise community awareness of Cowlitz County’s history and historic resources; and to serve as Cowlitz County’s primary resource in matters of history, historic planning, and preservation.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the Historic Preservation Commission shall engage in the following:

1. Conduct and maintain a comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of Cowlitz County and known as the Cowlitz County Historic Inventory, and publicize and periodically update inventory results. Property owners will be sent notification of inclusion in the inventory. Properties listed on the inventory shall be recorded on official zoning and/or Comprehensive Plan records with an “HI” (for historic inventory designation). This designation shall not change or modify the underlying classification.

2. Actively engage interested citizens to describe and document historical/cultural attributes of historic resources identified on the Cowlitz County Historic Inventory, with a focus on historic districts.

3. Develop and maintain documentation to be provided by the Department of Building and Planning to applicants seeking land use and/or building permits for property on the Cowlitz County Historic Inventory, including those properties within historic districts, as education and to increase awareness.

4. Initiate and maintain the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places. This official register shall be compiled of buildings, structures, sites, and objects identified by the Commission as having historic significance worthy of recognition and protection by Cowlitz County and encouragement of efforts by owners to maintain, rehabilitate, and preserve properties.

5. Review nominations to the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places according to criteria in CCC 18.80.030 and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review.

6. Review proposals to construct, change, alter, modify, remodel, move, demolish, or significantly affect properties on the register as provided in CCC 18.80.060; and adopt standards in its rules to be used to guide this review and the issuance of a certificate of appropriateness or waiver.

7. Provide for the review either by the Commission or its staff of all applications for approvals, permits, environmental assessments or impact statements, and other similar documents pertaining to identified historic resources or adjacent properties.

8. Conduct all Commission meetings in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act, to provide for adequate public participation and adopt standards in its rules to guide this action.

10. Establish liaison support, communication and cooperation with federal, state, and other local government entities which will further historic preservation objectives, including public education, within the Cowlitz County area.

11. Review and comment to the Board of County Commissioners on land use, housing and redevelopment, municipal improvement and other types of planning and programs undertaken by any agency of Cowlitz County, other neighboring communities, the Cowlitz County area, the state or federal governments, as they relate to historic resources of Cowlitz County.

12. Advise the Board of County Commissioners generally on matters of Cowlitz County history and historic preservation.

13. Perform other related functions assigned to the Commission by the Board of County Commissioners.

14. Provide information to the public on methods of maintaining and rehabilitating historic properties. This may take the form of pamphlets, newsletters, workshops, or similar activities.

15. Officially recognize excellence in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, structures, and sites, and new construction in historic areas; and encourage appropriate measures for such recognition.

16. Be informed about and provide information to the public and Cowlitz County departments on incentives for preservation of historic resources including legislation, regulations and codes which encourage the use and adaptive reuse of historic properties.

17. Review nominations to the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

18. Investigate and report to the Board of County Commissioners on the use of various federal, state, local or private funding sources available to promote historic resource preservation in Cowlitz County.

19. Serve as the local review board for special valuation and:

a. Make determination concerning the eligibility of historic properties for special valuation;

b. Verify that the improvements are consistent with the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Maintenance;

c. Enter into agreements with property owners for the duration of the special valuation period as required under WAC 254-20-070(2);

d. Approve or deny applications for special valuation;

e. Monitor the property for continued compliance with the agreement and statutory eligibility requirements during the 10-year special valuation period; and

f. Adopt bylaws and/or administrative rules and comply with all other local review board responsibilities identified in Chapter 84.26 RCW.

20. The Commission shall adopt rules of procedure to address the items in subsections (D)(5), (6), (8), and (19) of this section, inclusive.

E. Compensation. All members shall serve without compensation.

F. Rules and Officers. The Commission shall establish and adopt its own rules of procedure, and shall select from among its membership a chairperson and such other officers as may be necessary to conduct the Commission’s business.

G. Commission Staff. Commission and professional staff assistance shall be provided by the Department of Building and Planning with additional assistance and information to be provided by other Cowlitz County departments as may be necessary to aid the Commission in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this chapter. [Ord. 16-129 § 1, 10-18-16; Ord. 16-089 § 4, 8-16-16.]

A. Criteria for Determining Designation in the Register. Any building, structure, site, or object may be designated for inclusion in the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places if it is significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community; if it has integrity; is at least 50 years old, or is of lesser age and has exceptional importance; and if it falls in at least one of the following categories:

1. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state, or local history.

2. Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style, or method of design or construction, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.

3. Is an outstanding work of a designer, builder, or architect who has made a substantial contribution to the art.

5. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in national, state, or local history.

6. Has yielded or may be likely to yield important archaeological information related to history or prehistory.

7. Is a building or structure removed from its original location but which is significant primarily for architectural value, or which is the only surviving structure significantly associated with an historic person or event.

8. Is a birthplace or grave of an historical figure of outstanding importance and is the only surviving structure or site associated with that person.

9. Is a cemetery which derives its primary significance from age, from distinctive design features, or from association with historic events, or cultural patterns.

10. Is a reconstructed building that has been executed in a historically accurate manner on the original site.

11. Is a creative and unique example of folk architecture and design created by persons not formally trained in the architectural or design professions, and which does not fit into formal architectural or historical categories.

B. Process for Designating Properties to the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places.

1. Any person may nominate a building, structure, site, or object for inclusion in the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places. The owner must consent to placement of the nominated resource in writing with the nomination prior to consideration for designation by the Commission.

2. In its designation decision, the Commission shall consider the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places and the Cowlitz County Comprehensive Plan.

3. In the case of individual properties, the designation shall include the UTM reference and all features – interior and exterior – and outbuildings that contribute to its designation.

4. The Historic Preservation Commission shall consider the merits of the nomination, according to the criteria in this section and according to the nomination review standards established in rules, at a public meeting. Adequate notice will be given to the public, the owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, of the subject property prior to the public meeting according to standards for public meetings established in rules and in compliance with Chapter 42.30 RCW, Open Public Meetings Act. Such notice shall include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Cowlitz County and any other form of notification deemed appropriate by Cowlitz County. If the Commission finds that the nominated property is eligible for the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places, the Commission shall list the property in the register with the owner’s consent. The public, property owner(s) and the authors of the nomination, if different, and lessees, if any, shall be notified of the listing.

5. Properties listed on the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places shall be recorded on official zoning records and/or Comprehensive Plan with an “HR” (for historic register) designation. This designation shall not change or modify the underlying classification.

6. Properties listed on the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places shall have a copy of the listing recorded with the County Auditor’s office, at the owner’s expense. A copy of the designation and listing letter shall be provided to the County Auditor’s office by the owner and the resulting recording number reported to the Commission.

C. Removal of Properties from the Register.

1. In the event that any building, structure, site or object is no longer deemed appropriate for designation to the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places the Commission may initiate removal from such designation by the same procedure as provided for in establishing the designation in this section. A building, structure, site or object may be removed from the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places without the owner’s consent.

2. The owner of a building, structure, site or object may request review for its possible removal from the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places. A written request may be submitted to the Commission and considered at a public meeting. There is no automatic right to have a property removed from the register.

D. Effects of Listing on the Register.

1. Listing on the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places is a designation denoting significant association with the historic, archaeological, engineering, or cultural heritage of the community. Properties are listed individually.

2. Prior to the commencement of any work on a register property, excluding ordinary repair and maintenance and emergency measures defined in CCC 18.80.030, the owner must request and receive a certificate of appropriateness from the Commission for the proposed work. Violation of this rule shall be grounds for the Commission to review the property for removal from the register.

3. Prior to whole or partial demolition of a register property, the owner must request and receive a waiver of a certificate of appropriateness.

4. Once Cowlitz County is certified as a certified local government (CLG), all properties listed on the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places may be eligible for special tax valuation on their rehabilitation (CCC 18.80.070). [Ord. 16-089 § 5, 8-16-16.]

18.80.060 Review of changes to Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places properties.

A. Review Required. No person shall change the use, construct any new building or structure, or reconstruct, alter, restore, remodel, repair, move, or demolish any existing property on the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places without review by the Commission and without receipt of a certificate of appropriateness, or in the case of demolition, a waiver, as a result of the review.

The review shall apply to all features of the property, interior and exterior, which contribute to its designation and are listed on the nomination form. Information required by the Commission to review the proposed changes is established in rules.

B. Exemptions. The following activities do not require a certificate of appropriateness or review by the Commission: work which does not require a building permit from Cowlitz County, ordinary repair and maintenance (which includes painting), repairs to or replacement of utility systems, or emergency measures defined in CCC 18.80.030.

C. Review Process.

1. Requests for Review and Issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness or Waiver. The building or zoning official shall report any application for a permit to work on a designated Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places to the Commission. If the activity is not exempt from review, the Commission or professional staff shall notify the applicant of the review requirements. The building or zoning official shall not issue any such permit until a certificate of appropriateness or a waiver is received from the Commission but shall work with the Commission in considering building and fire code requirements.

2. Commission Review. The owner or his/her agent (architect, contractor, lessee, etc.) shall apply to the Commission for a review of proposed changes on a Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places property and request a certificate of appropriateness or, in the case of demolition, a waiver. Each application for review of proposed changes shall be accompanied by such information as is required by the Commission established in its rules for the proper review of the proposed project.

The Commission shall meet with the applicant and review the proposed work according to the design review criteria established in rules. Unless legally required, there shall be no notice, posting, or publication requirements for action on the application, but all such actions shall be made at regular meetings of the Commission. The Commission shall complete its review and make its recommendations within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt of the application. If the Commission is unable to process the request, the Commission may ask for an extension of time.

The Commission’s recommendations shall be in writing and shall state the findings of fact and reasons relied upon in reaching its decision. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted. If the owner agrees to the Commission’s recommendations, a certificate of appropriateness shall be awarded by the Commission according to standards established in the Commission’s rules.

The Commission’s recommendations and, if awarded, the certificate of appropriateness shall be transmitted to the building or zoning official. If a certificate of appropriateness is awarded, the building or zoning official may then issue the permit.

3. Demolition. A waiver of the certificate of appropriateness is required before a permit may be issued to allow whole or partial demolition of a designated Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places property. The owner or his/her agent shall apply to the Commission for a review of the proposed demolition and request a waiver. The applicant shall meet with the Commission in an attempt to find alternatives to demolition. These negotiations may last no longer than 45 calendar days from the initial meeting of the Commission, unless either party requests an extension. If no request for an extension is made and no alternative to demolition has been agreed to, the Commission shall act and advise the official in charge of issuing a demolition permit of the approval or denial of the waiver of a certificate of appropriateness. Conditions in the case of granting a demolition permit may include allowing the Commission up to 45 additional calendar days to develop alternatives to demolition. When issuing a waiver the Board may require the owner to mitigate the loss of the Cowlitz County Register of Historic Places property by means determined by the Commission at the meeting. Any conditions agreed to by the applicant in this review process shall become conditions of approval of the permits granted. After the property is demolished, the Commission shall initiate removal of the property from the register.

4. Appeal of Approval or Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness or Waiver. The Commission’s decision regarding a certificate of appropriateness or waiver may be appealed to the Cowlitz County Hearing Examiner as provided in Chapter 2.05 CCC within 10 days. The appeal must state the grounds upon which the appeal is based.

The appeal shall be reviewed by the Hearing Examiner only on the records of the Commission.

Appeal of Hearing Examiner decision regarding a certificate of appropriateness or waiver may be appealed to Superior Court. [Ord. 16-089 § 6, 8-16-16.]

18.80.070 Review and monitoring of properties for special property tax valuation.

A. Timelines.

1. The owner of historic property desiring special valuation shall apply to the Cowlitz County Assessor on forms prescribed by the Department of Revenue, and available through the Assessor.

2. Applications shall be forwarded to the Commission by the Assessor within 10 calendar days of filing of a complete application.

3. Complete applications received by the Assessor by October 1st shall be reviewed by the Commission before December 31st of the calendar year in which the application is made, for a special valuation the following year.

4. Commission decisions regarding the applications shall be certified in writing and filed with the Assessor within 10 calendar days of issuance as set forth in RCW 84.26.060.

B. Procedure.

1. The Assessor forwards the application(s) to the Commission.

2. The Commission reviews the application(s), consistent with its rules of procedure, and determines if the application(s) are complete and if the properties meet the criteria set forth in WAC 254-20-070(1) and 458-15-050 and listed in subsection C of this section.

a. If the Commission finds the properties meet all the criteria, then, on behalf of Cowlitz County, it enters into an historic preservation special valuation agreement (set forth in RCW 84.26.050(2), WAC 254-20-120 and in subsection D of this section) with the owner. Upon execution of the agreement between the owner and Commission, the Commission approves the application(s).

b. If the Commission determines the properties do not meet all the criteria, then it shall deny the application(s).

3. The Commission certifies its decisions in writing and states the facts upon which the approvals or denials are based and files copies of the certifications with the Assessor.

4. For approved applications the Commission:

a. Forwards copies of the agreements, applications, and supporting documentation (as required by RCW 84.26.060, WAC 254-20-090(4) and identified in this section) to the Assessor;

b. Notifies the State Review Board that the properties have been approved for special valuation; and

c. Monitors the properties for continued compliance with the agreements throughout the 10-year special valuation period.

5. The Commission may determine at a public meeting, in a manner consistent with its rules of procedure, whether or not properties are disqualified from special valuation either because of:

a. The owner’s failure to comply with the terms of the agreement; or

b. Because of a loss of historic value resulting from physical changes to the building or site.

6. For disqualified properties, in the event that the Commission concludes that a property is no longer qualified for special valuation, the Commission shall notify the owner, Assessor, and State Review Board in writing and state the facts supporting its findings.

C. Criteria.

1. Historic Property Criteria. The class of historic property eligible to apply for special valuation in Cowlitz County means all properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places or certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period which meets the requirements set forth in Chapter 84.26 RCW, until Cowlitz County becomes a certified local government (CLG). Once a CLG, the class of property eligible to apply for special valuation in Cowlitz County means all properties listed on the local or National Register of Historic Places or properties certified as contributing to a National Register Historic District which have been substantially rehabilitated at a cost and within a time period which meets the requirements set forth in Chapter 84.26 RCW.

b. Comprehensive exterior and interior photographs of the historic property before and after rehabilitation;

c. Architectural plans or other legible drawings depicting the completed rehabilitation work; and

d. A notarized affidavit attesting to the actual cost of the rehabilitation work completed prior to the date of application and the period of time during which the work was performed, and documentation of both cost and time period to be made available to the Commission upon request.

3. Property Review Criteria. In its review the Commission shall determine if the properties meet all the following criteria:

a. The property is historic property;

b. The property is included within a class of historic property determined eligible for special valuation by Cowlitz County under this section;

c. The property has been rehabilitated at a cost which meets the definition set forth in RCW 84.26.020(2) (and identified in this section) within 24 months prior to the date of application; and

d. The property has not been altered in any way which adversely affects those elements which qualify it as historically significant as determined by applying the Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties (WAC 254-20-100(1) and listed in this section).

4. Rehabilitation and Maintenance Criteria. The Washington State Advisory Council’s Standards for the Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Historic Properties in WAC 254-20-100 shall be used by the Commission as minimum requirements for determining whether or not an historic property is eligible for special valuation and whether or not the property continues to be eligible for special valuation once it has been so classified.

D. Agreement. The historic preservation special valuation agreement in WAC 254-20-120 shall be used by the Commission as the minimum agreement necessary to comply with the requirements of RCW 84.26.050(2).

E. Appeals. Any decision of the Commission acting on any application for classification as historic property, eligible for special valuation, may be appealed to Superior Court under RCW 34.05.570, in addition to any other remedy of law. Any decision on the disqualification of historic property eligible for special valuation, or any other dispute, may be appealed to the County Board of Equalization in accordance with RCW 84.40.038, and, at the Board’s election, with a Hearing Examiner under WAC 458-24-136 and CCC 2.05.010(B)(1). [Ord. 16-089 § 7, 8-16-16.]

The ordinance codified in this chapter shall not be construed to hold Cowlitz County, or any officer or employee thereof, responsible for damages to persons or property by reason of certification or inspection or noninspection of any equipment or property herein authorized. [Ord. 16-089 § 8, 8-16-16.]

The provisions of this chapter are declared separate and severable. If any section, paragraph, clause, or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The Board of Commissioners hereby declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in this chapter and each section, paragraph, subsection, clause or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, paragraphs, subsections, clauses or phrases may subsequently be found to be unconstitutional or invalid. [Ord. 16-089 § 9, 8-16-16.]